Award-winning choreographer Kaffy has called on women and girls to jettison the need for external validation and focus on personal growth, as the world marks International Women’s Day.

Speaking to Channels TV at the Wema Bank International Women’s Day event, the 45-year-old Guinness World Record holder emphasised that transformation should not come at the cost of losing one’s identity.

“Transformation is my watchword… transform your environment, but how to do that is not to sacrifice who you are for it. I did that one time, and I had to try to find myself. Use who you are to transform yourself so that the world around you will automatically transform. You don’t even need to perform for it. You don’t need to get approval or validation from anybody,” she said.

Kaffy acknowledged the challenges women face, including the lack of guidance from those expected to support them.

“I feel like, where are the women that are supposed to help raise you? I will let you know that we are here. We are also figuring ourselves out,” the fitness coach said.

She encouraged young girls to remain open to mentorship and forgiveness, urging them to prioritise knowledge, emotional healing, and courage.

“When you see one moment, one opportunity that a woman has to pour into you, receive it. Forgive your mother. Forgive those women who are not able to show up for you because they are also trying to survive,” Kaffy added.

Challenging young women to focus on the future rather than past hurts, she stated that the next generation has the responsibility to build a better world.

Kaffy said, “It’s not about the past or the pains of the past. It’s about now. You are our future. I want you to be better than us.”

She urged women and girls to prioritise knowledge, emotional healing, and courage.

“Be informed. Empower your mind, heal your heart, and be audacious… and be authentic. No fear. Keep moving,” the choreographer stated.

International Women’s Day is marked globally to acknowledge women’s achievements and push for gender equality and empowerment.

This year’s United Nations theme, “Give to gain; when we give, we gain,” emphasises the value of support, mentorship, and opportunities in helping women and girls succeed.